Page 47 of The Secrets We Keep

“We did.” Sarah laughs. I go over and hug them both.

“You guys are the best, seriously the best.”

Just then I hear a commotion at the gate, our friends from dinner are arriving.

“Oh my gosh everyone knew to come!” I’m beyond thrilled!

Even Sam comes through the gate with who I’m guessing is his wife.

“Sam!” I yell cheerfully and wave him over.

“Evie, happy birthday dear. I’d like to introduce my wife. This is Mary.”

“It’s nice to meet you Mary. Sam has been amazing to work for,” I tell her and it’s the truth.

“It’s very nice to meet you as well. Sam speaks of you often.” She reaches out and squeezes my hand.

“If you ever need anything, please reach out.” She smiles at me before looking back to Sam.

“I will. Thank you both for coming. Isn’t this beautiful?” I gesture to our backyard. “Landon’s been working so hard on this.”

“He’s done a fantastic job. That boy is a keeper,” Sam says winking at me. I smile back. For a man of little words, he sure does pay close attention to things.

It’s not long before our gathering is in full swing. People have drinks and are talking amongst themselves. Landon has been busy entertaining everyone and I’ve lost sight of him. I start to weave through our friends when Sarah catches my arm.

“Hey sis, can we talk for a minute?”

“Of course, is everything okay?”

“Yes, I just wanted a quiet minute with you.”

She’s starting to make m

e nervous, but I don’t let on. I just smile as we walk over towards the gazebo. It’s then that Landon comes out from behind it, meeting Sarah and I in front of it. I look over at Sarah.

“Sarah?” She pulls me in for a tight hug.

“I love you Eleanor,” she tells me before walking back towards the guests which have all stopped and are now staring at Landon and I. Well this is awkward. Landon takes my hand and pulls me under the twinkling lights, just inside the gazebo.

“These were the perfect touch,” Landon says pointing at the lights. I nod, unsure of what else to do or say. I’m a little freaked out at the moment. Landon then leans in to kiss me softly on the cheek, it should help but it does little to ease my stomach, especially when he starts talking.

“My Evie.” He looks at me with those eyes, eyes I could get lost in.

“I knew you were special, since the first day we met at S1 accounting. I knew. There was something about you. I had to know what it was. You slowly let me in and from that moment on I knew I was gone. Each kiss. Each laugh. I knew I wanted to be with you for the rest of my life.”

Landon looks at me and smiles a huge smile before dropping down to one knee. Oh my God! Is this happening?! I immediately feel tears forming and my face heat as I look over to everyone who has gone silent. Sarah and Jessy have huge smiles on their faces. Did they know about this? Before I have time to even start to process, Landon starts talking again as he takes my hand. He squeezes it tightly.

“I know we’ve been through so much in such a short time. Not all of it has been pretty. Not all of it has been ugly. Through it all, we’ve got something special. So special that I’m not willing to let you go. I promise you that for the rest of my days I’ll spend them making you the happiest woman if you’ll be my wife. Eleanor Ross, will you marry me?”

Tears stream down my face as I look at the box Landon is holding open. In it is the most breathtaking ring I’ve ever seen. A pear shaped diamond in a setting of white gold. It stands out against the black velvet lining of the box. It’s absolutely perfect. I nod my head as more tears fall.

As Landon takes the ring out of the box and places it on me, cheers erupt. I pay them no attention though. Landon kisses my hand before standing and pulling me into his embrace. He tilts my head back and kisses me deeply. We continue kissing until I have to break away to take a breath.

“I love you so much Landon.”

“I love you babe.”

He smiles and waves everyone over. Sarah is the first to reach us. She hugs me before stealing my hand to examine the ring.

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